Method and apparatus for internet protocol television media content sharing

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/311,461, filed Dec. 19, 2005, which is currently allowed and isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to communication networks and,more particularly, to a method and apparatus for media content sharingin communication networks, e.g., packet networks such as InternetProtocol Television (IPTV) networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a traditional broadcast or cable television environment, contentproviders, such as a cable network operator or a broadcast televisionoperator, send video contents, such as movie and television (TV)programming, to TV sets to be viewed by end users. Although end usershave a large number of contents to choose from, they can only choose toview the contents provided by the content providers and cannot sharetheir own contents to be viewed by other end users.

Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for media contentsharing in a packet network, e.g., an IPTV network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention allows IP service subscribers,e.g., IPTV subscribers, to share media contents with other IP servicesubscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion. Forexample, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies,pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media ormedia created in real-time. Thus, the present invention effectivelyallows IP service subscribers to create their own TV station, e.g.,complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling.The media content and programming can be shared by specifying an addressthat can be made public to targeted viewers. In turn, the method allowsa viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program createdby another subscriber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teaching of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary components of Internet Protocol Television(IPTV) endpoint equipment related to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a high level block diagram of an IPTV set top boxhardware of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary IPTV network related to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for setting up and publishingshared media content in a packet network, e.g., an IPTV network, of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for selectingshared media content related to the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for adding sharedmedia content related to the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for entering aname for the shared media content programming related to the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for schedulingshared media content programming related to the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for prompting aname for the shared media content programming related to the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for entering livemode to broadcast the selected shared media content programming relatedto the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method for viewing shared mediacontent programming in a packet network, e.g., an IPTV network, of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a high level block diagram of a general purposecomputer suitable for use in performing the functions described herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a traditional broadcast or cable television environment, contentproviders, such as a cable network operator or a broadcast televisionoperator, send video contents, such as movie and television (TV)programming, to TV sets to be viewed by end users. Although end usershave a large number of contents to choose from, they can only choose toview the contents provided by the content providers and cannot sharetheir own contents to be viewed by other end users.

To address this need, the present invention allows IPTV subscribers toshare media contents with other IPTV subscribers or Internet users ineither a secured or open fashion. In one embodiment, the presentinvention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other mediacontents, where media could be stored media or media created inreal-time. Thus, the present invention effectively allows IPTVsubscribers to create their own TV station, e.g., complete with storedor live content programming and content scheduling. The media contentprogramming can be shared by specifying an address that can be madepublic to targeted viewers (e.g., with or without use an optionalpassword). Therefore, the present invention provides a value-addedservice that an IPTV service provider can use to differentiate its IPTVproducts from cable, satellite, and other service providers.

To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates exemplarycomponents of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) endpoint equipment 100related to the present invention. In FIG. 1, in one embodiment, IPTV settop box 101 comprises control 102 and control 103 for changing channels,a channel display 104, and on and off control 105. Control 102 allows auser to change the current channel to the next available channel with ahigher assigned channel number and control 103 allows a user to changethe current channel to the next available channel with a lower assignedchannel number. Channel display 104 shows the current channel number. Onand off control 105 is used to turn set top box 101 on and off. In FIG.1, remote control 106 provides the means for controlling set top box 101remotely. The rear panel of set top box 101 comprises various terminalsfor input and output (I/O) devices such as media feed from the serviceprovider, media feed to a TV and other I/O devices such as home networkcomponent, Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD),Digital Video Recorder (DVR), camera, and camcorder.

FIG. 2 illustrates a high level block diagram 200 of an IPTV set top boxhardware of the present invention. In FIG. 2, set top box hardwareincludes microprocessor 201 for overall control, memory 202 to holdstored media contents such as movies and pictures, network and TVinterface 203, channel display 204 and channel changing interface 205,Input/Output (I/O) interface 206 which is used to connected to variousI/O and home networking components, power supply 207, and data modem208. Network interface 203 provides an input terminal to receive inputsignal of video contents from a service provider and an output terminalto send video contents to a TV set. Data modem 208 is set to monitor thedesignated data downstream frequency band (commonly in 6 MHz channelsbetween 45 MHz to 850 MHz) to collect incoming requests for content.Data modem 208 also delivers requested media content via the designateddata upstream frequency band (commonly 5 MHz to 42 MHz for NorthAmerica). I/O interface 206 provides I/O terminals that are used toconnect to wired or wireless Local Area Network (LAN), VCR, DVD, DVR,digital camera, or camcorder. Channel display 204 comprises a LightEmitting Diode (LED) driver and a LEC display unit. Channel changinginterface 205 comprises an infrared sensor unit, toggle switches, and aninterface unit.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary IP network, e.g., an IPTV servicenetwork 300 related to the present invention. In FIG. 3, exemplary homenetwork 310 comprises a set top box gateway 313, a TV 311, and othercomputing devices such as personal computers (PC), laptops, camcorders,and digital cameras, etc. The home network 310 can be a wired LAN suchas an Ethernet network, a wireless LAN based on the Institute ofElectrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) 802.11 standards, or acombination of both.

In one embodiment, set top box gateway 313 acts as the gateway to thehome network and manages data exchange between home network 310 andservice provider access network 320. In home network 310, TV 311 isconnected to set top box gateway 313 to receive video contents. Inanother embodiment, set top box gateway 313 functions as a set top boxand the gateway functionality is incorporated in a separate device, suchas a dedicated gateway or home router to gain access to the serviceprovider access network 320. In addition, various types of electronicdevices such as DVD player, VCR player, DVR player, camcorder, anddigital camera can be connected to set top box gateway 313 to supportsubscriber based media content feeds. It should be noted that theconfiguration of home network 310 as shown is only exemplary.

Service provider access network 320 is connected to service provider IPnetwork 330. Service provider access network 320 provides access and IPconnectivity between home network 310 and service provider IP network330. In one embodiment, service provider access network 320 is abroadband access network such as a cable network, a Fiber to the Home(FTTH) network, or a Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) network. Serviceprovider access network connects to an IP network. Service provideraccess network 320 and service provider IP network 330 can be managed bythe same provider or they can be managed by two independent serviceproviders. Service provider IP network 330 provides various types of IPbased services including, but not limited to, IPTV, voice and dataservices, to a subscriber in home network 310. Programming guidedatabase 335 residing in service provider IP network 330 can be accessedby the subscriber to search for video content programming and schedulinginformation. Service provider IP network 330 may also be connected toInternet 340 to provide access to other IP based services provided byother service providers 350.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method 400 for setting up andpublishing shared media content in a packet network, e.g., an IPTVnetwork, of the present invention. Method 400 starts in step 405 andproceeds to step 410.

In step 410, the method offers the main menu options to a subscriber.Exemplary main menu options that can be selected by the subscriber mayinclude:

-   -   1. Create media program    -   2. Schedule content    -   3. Real-time broadcast    -   4. Setup and options    -   5. Exit.

Option 1 allows the subscriber to setup a sequential set of mediacontent in a continuous sequence, such as movies in mpeg, avi, movformats, pictures or images in jpeg, tif, gif formats, and/or music(e.g., an audio file) in way, mp3 formats into a media contentprogramming that can be shared with other subscribers. Note that mpeg,avi, mov formats are widely supported industrial standard digital videoformats. Note also that jpeg, tif, gif are widely supported industrialstandard digital image formats.

Option 2 allows the subscriber to schedule selected media content forspecific time and date. This option allows a user to set up their ownbroadcast programming for selected or all timeslots of the day.

Option 3 allows the subscriber to go live by using a camcorder, moviecamera, or webcam to project a live broadcast feed. For example, thelive broadcast feed is displayed on the television so that the broadcastcan be monitored by the subscriber.

Option 4 allows the subscriber to perform various global functions, suchas to publicize the established media program to the targeted audience,e.g., via email, post the media content programming on a publicprogramming guide, select or change an off the air logo or picture,select optional password that can be used to password protect the mediacontent programming to be broadcasted.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step 415, the method receives a selected optionfrom the subscriber. If the selected option is 1, the method proceeds tostep 420. If the selected option is 2, the method proceeds to step 435.If the selected option is 3, the method proceeds to step 445. If theselected option is 4, the method proceeds to step 460. If the selectedoption is 5, the method proceeds to step 470.

In step 420, the method displays a prompt requesting the user to enterthe location of the media to add to the media content programming beingcreated. An exemplary screen shot is shown in FIG. 5. The subscriberselects and enters the location of each desired media content piece. Themedia content can reside within computing or storage devices in a homenetwork and the subscriber can step through a directory and filehierarchy to identify the media content location. Media contents thatcan be selected include, but are not limited to, movies, pictures,and/or music contents.

In step 425, the method checks if additional media content is to beadded. An exemplary screen shot is shown in FIG. 6. If additional mediacontent is to be added, the method proceeds back to step 420; otherwise,the method proceeds to step 430.

In step 430, the method prompts the subscriber for a program name toidentify the newly created media content programming. An exemplaryscreen shot is shown in FIG. 7.

In step 435, the method displays a prompt requesting the subscriber toschedule a time for the created shared media content programming. Anexemplary screen shot is shown in FIG. 8. In addition to time and date,a viewing prompt allows for a single play or a reoccurring play on adaily or weekly basis can be selected by the subscriber.

In step 440, the method prompts the subscriber for the shared mediacontent program name of the media program that is being scheduled. Anexemplary screen shot is shown in FIG. 9. For example, the program namehas already been defined previously in step 430.

In step 445, the method displays a prompt asking the subscriber to pressany key to go into the live mode to broadcast real-time video contentscaptured by a video camera or a camcorder. An exemplary screen shot isshown in FIG. 10. The TV screen also displays a video monitor view ofthe digital camera and audio meters so the user can confirm theequipment is properly functioning before going live. Once a key, e.g.,any key, is pressed by the subscriber, the method proceeds to step 450;otherwise, the method waits for the subscriber until a key is pressed.

In step 450, the method enters the live mode and the resulting video isavailable as a live feed and is broadcasted subject to media control asdefined in the global settings.

In step 455, the method checks to see if the real-time broadcast isfinished. This broadcast would typically be terminated by the user oncethe broadcast is completed. If the real-time broadcast is finished, themethod proceeds to step 470; otherwise, the method proceeds back to step450 and continues with the live broadcast and continues to poll forbroadcast completion.

In step 460, the method displays a menu of various global options thatmay be configured by the subscriber. These options include, but are notlimited to:

-   -   1. Publicize media programming to prospective viewers (e.g., via        email);    -   2. Publicize media programming by posting the media        contents/programming on a public programming guide. Postings        would contain pertinent information such as the program title,        the address where the program can be found, a description of the        contents, the time, whether a password is required, etc;    -   3. Select or change an off the air logo or picture;    -   4. Set password(s) that can be used to password protect specific        or all created media content programming;    -   5. Manage program names (e.g., rename or delete program names).

In step 465, the method checks if the setup and options selections havebeen finished by a subscriber. If the setup and options selections havebeen finished by the subscriber, the method proceeds to step 470;otherwise, the method proceeds back to step 460. Method 400 ends in step470.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen 500 for selectingshared media content related to the present invention. In FIG. 5, thesubscriber can use user interface screen 500 to select and enter thelocation of each desired media content piece. The media content canreside within computing or storage devices in a home network and thesubscriber can step through a directory and file hierarchy to identifythe media content location. Media contents that can be selected include,but are not limited to, movies, pictures, music contents. A subscriberuses the finished option to exit this screen.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen 600 for addingshared media content related to the present invention. In FIG. 6, thesubscriber can use user interface screen 600 to add additional sharedmedia contents to the shared media program being created. A subscriberuses the finished option to exit this screen.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen 700 for entering aname for the shared media content programming related to the presentinvention. In FIG. 7, the subscriber can use user interface screen 700to enter a name to identify the shared media program being created.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen 800 for schedulingshared media content programming related to the present invention. InFIG. 8, the subscriber can use user interface screen 800 to schedule atime for the created media content programming. The subscriber canspecify the time, the date, and/or a viewing option that allows for asingle play or a reoccurring play on a daily or weekly basis.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for prompting aname for the shared media content programming related to the presentinvention. In FIG. 9, the subscriber can use user interface screen 900to enter the name of a shared media content programming that will bescheduled according to the configured scheduled time performed in step435 via user interface screen 800. A subscriber uses the finished optionto exit this screen.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary user interface screen for entering livemode to broadcast the selected shared media content programming relatedto the present invention. In FIG. 10, the subscriber can use userinterface screen 1000 to enter the live mode to broadcast real-timevideo contents captured by a video camera or a camcorder.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1100 for assigning atelevision channel to shared media content programming in a packetnetwork, e.g., an IPTV network, of the present invention. The methodallows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media programcreated by another subscriber. The method can be executed via dedicatedsoftware within the set top box or from a web site over the Internet.Method 1100 starts in step 1105 and proceeds to step 1110.

In step 1110, the method offers view media menu options to a viewingsubscriber. Exemplary view media menu options may include:

-   -   1. Programming guide;    -   2. Enter address;    -   3. Clear Channel;    -   4. Exit.

In step 1115, the method receives a selected option from the subscriber.If the selected option is 1, the method proceeds to step 1120. If theselected option is 2, the method proceeds to step 1145. If the selectedoption is 3, the method proceeds to step 1150. If the selected option is4, the method proceeds to step 1160.

In step 1120, the method allows the viewing subscriber to search aninteractive programming guide and select the desired shared mediaprogramming to view. The interactive guide shows the contents of eachprogram as the viewing subscriber searches through the programming. Themethod allows a viewing subscriber to watch part of or all of a programbefore deciding which shared media content program to view.

In step 1125; the method receives the selected shared media program tobe viewed from the viewing subscriber.

In step 1130, if the selected program requires a password, the methodprompts the viewing subscriber to enter a password to be validated. Inone embodiment, the password validation occurs by matching the enteredpassword and the stored password in the programming guide. In anotherembodiment, the password validation occurs by verifying the enteredpassword with the password stored in the set top box at the targetedaddress.

In step 1135, the method prompts the viewing subscriber for anunassigned channel to assign the shared media content programming to beviewed from. For example, the viewing subscriber can use any unassignedtelevision channel number to assign the selected shared media contentprogramming. Multiple channels can be assigned to different shared mediacontent programs. This assignment creates a very simple viewinginterface—the viewer simply changes television channels to the assignedchannel to view the content. This channel-to-programming relationshipwill remain unless it is later cleared by the viewer as described instep 1155 below.

In step 1140, the method assigns the selected shared media contentprogramming to the unassigned channel selected by the viewingsubscriber.

In step 1145, the method prompts the viewing subscriber to directlyenter the address of the desired programming. In one embodiment, theaddress is simply an IP address. In another embodiment, the address isrepresented by a text string assigned by the service providers that issimilar to an email address. The method then proceeds to step 1130.

In step 1150, the method prompts the viewing subscriber to enter apreviously assigned channel number that is to be cleared and returned tothe unassigned channel pool.

In step 1155, the method clears the entered TV channel. This allowsviewing subscribers to release programming that they are no longerinterested in viewing. Method 1100 ends in step 1160.

FIG. 12 depicts a high level block diagram of a general purpose computersuitable for use in performing the functions described herein. Asdepicted in FIG. 12, the system 1200 comprises a processor element 1202(e.g., a CPU), a memory 1204, e.g., random access memory (RAM) and/orread only memory (ROM), a module 1205 for media content sharing, andvarious input/output devices 1206 (e.g., storage devices, including butnot limited to, a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard disk drive or acompact disk drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, a display, aspeech synthesizer, an output port, and a user input device (such as akeyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the like)).

It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented insoftware and/or in a combination of software and hardware, e.g., usingapplication specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a general purposecomputer or any other hardware equivalents. In one embodiment, thepresent module or process 1205 for media content sharing can be loadedinto memory 1204 and executed by processor 1202 to implement thefunctions as discussed above. As such, the present process 1205 formedia content sharing (including associated data structures) of thepresent invention can be stored on a computer readable medium orcarrier, e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and thelike.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for accessing media content from acommunication network, comprising: selecting, via a processor, a mediacontent programming created by a first subscriber of the communicationnetwork, wherein the selecting of the media content programming isperformed in response to a first input by a second subscriber of thecommunication network; selecting, via the processor, a channel numberfor receiving the media content programming, wherein the selecting ofthe channel number is performed in response to a second input by thesecond subscriber, wherein the channel number corresponds to an unusedchannel that is available to be assigned to carry a program signalcomprising media content; and receiving, by the processor, the mediacontent programming from the communication network via the unusedchannel, wherein the media content programming is delivered on theunused channel by the communication network in response to the channelnumber that is selected.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thecommunication network comprises an internet protocol network.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the media content programming comprises livemedia content that is captured by a video camera.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the media content programming comprises a sequence of thelive media content.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the media contentprogramming is scheduled by the first subscriber in accordance with atime.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving of the mediacontent programming requires a password if the password is configured bythe first subscriber.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the mediacontent programming is publicized by the first subscriber via a sharedmedia content programming guide residing in the communication network.8. The method of claim 1, wherein the media content programming isreceived from the communication network via a set top box comprising theprocessor.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a source of the mediacontent programming is determined by the second subscriber and anaddress associated with the media content programming is provided to thecommunication network.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the addresscomprises an email address.
 11. A non-transitory computer-readablemedium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, causethe processor to perform operations for accessing media from acommunication network, the operations comprising: selecting a mediacontent programming created by a first subscriber of the communicationnetwork, wherein the selecting of the media content programming isperformed in response to a first input by a second subscriber of thecommunication network; selecting a channel number for receiving themedia content programming, wherein the selecting of the channel numberis performed in response to a second input by the second subscriber,wherein the channel number corresponds to an unused channel that isavailable to be assigned to carry a program signal comprising mediacontent; and receiving the media content programming from thecommunication network via the unused channel, wherein the media contentprogramming is delivered on the unused channel by the communicationnetwork in response to the channel number that is selected.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein thecommunication network comprises an internet protocol network.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the mediacontent programming comprises: live media content that is captured by avideo camera.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim13, wherein the media content programming comprises a sequence of thelive media content.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 13, wherein the media content programming is scheduled by thefirst subscriber in accordance with a time.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the receiving of the mediacontent programming requires a password if the password is configured bythe first subscriber.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 11, wherein the media content programming is publicized by thefirst subscriber via a shared media content programming guide residingin the communication network.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 11, wherein the media content programming is receivedfrom the communication network via a set top box comprising theprocessor.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11,wherein a source of the media content programming is determined by thesecond subscriber and an address associated with the media contentprogramming is provided to the communication network.
 20. An apparatusfor accessing media content from a communication network, comprising: aprocessor; and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which,when executed by the processor, cause the processor to performoperations comprising: selecting a media content programming created bya first subscriber of the communication network, wherein the selectingof the media content programming is performed in response to a firstinput by a second subscriber of the communication network; selecting achannel number for receiving the media content programming, wherein theselecting of the channel number is performed in response to a secondinput by the second subscriber, wherein the channel number correspondsto an unused channel that is available to be assigned to carry a programsignal comprising media content; and receiving the media contentprogramming from the communication network via the unused channel,wherein the media content programming is delivered on the unused channelby the communication network in response to the channel number that isselected.